You might have heard of mushroom powders but be wondering what exactly they are. Maybe you’re interested to find out about the benefits of incorporating them into your diet. Or you could be wondering which out of the multitude of fungi in the world you should be focusing on.
We’re pretty big fans of organic mushroom powder, because of the health benefits these products can bring.
An article for Whole Foods Magazine explained which mushrooms pack a particular punch in the nutrition department and also revealed why mushroom supplements are growing in popularity.
Mushroom supplements can help with everything from improving your energy to your heart health. Some have anti-inflammatory properties, and they can provide antioxidants.
Of course, there is a wide range of fungi in the world, and these different kinds of mushrooms offer their own, specific health benefits.
The news provider explained that chaga mushrooms, for example, are said to be helpful for lowering blood sugar levels. Cordyceps, meanwhile, are a good option if you want to boost your energy, particularly if you’ll be doing high-intensity workouts.
Maitake mushrooms are known for their “anti-cancer, antiviral and immune-enhancing properties”, the magazine reported, quoting Dr Andrew Weil.
If you’re looking for a good all-round mushroom powder to get you started, then the reishi mushroom is a good option, the publication noted. This is because it’s been associated with benefits relating to everything from weight management to the health of your immune system.
For anyone who suffers with digestive issues, the properties of lions mane mushrooms are worth exploring. These fungi are said to help reduce gut inflammation, boost your good gut bacteria and reduce your bad gut bacteria.
Shiitake mushrooms, meanwhile, are associated with improving heart health and can even help to lower cholesterol.
There are a host of different mushroom powders available, each of which has its own unique benefits. But if you’re now convinced that adding mushroom supplements to your diet is a good idea, just how do you go about introducing them?
Mushroom powders can easily be incorporated into the likes of smoothies and shakes. Another trend that’s taking off is mushroom coffee, with an article for Dance Magazine recently suggesting that popping some mushroom powder into your daily brew could be one of the best ways to take advantage of all the health benefits mushrooms offer.
As the publication noted: “Since you’d have to eat many actual mushrooms to get the same potency as a supplement, this might be the rare time when an extract or powder might be more beneficial.”
The health benefits of mushrooms have been known about for centuries though. Speaking to Canadian publication The Union, mycologist Paul Stamets described mushrooms as “miniature pharmaceutical factories”.
He commented: “Of the thousands of mushroom species in nature, our ancestors and modern scientists have identified several dozen that have a unique combination of talents that improve our health.”
So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your immune system and overall health then mushrooms could be just what you need.